The Columbarium
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Revelation 14:13
Our Columbarium
Grace Ev. Lutheran Church is constructing a columbarium on the west side of our campus to provide a special place for the inurnment of the cremated remains of deceased church members and relations. It was established to provide a meaningful and more affordable choice for families when a loved one dies.
The columbarium will be located just south-southwest of our parking lot off Myrtle in the area next to our Fellowship Hall. The project is planned in multiple phases. The first phase will include 56 niches, the pathways, and the landscaping… with further niches being added in later phases.
If you are interested in purchasing a niche or would like more information on our columbarium, please review the documents to the right.
Informational meetings will be hosted by the Columbarium Committee later this year. For more information now, please contact Steve Bischoff or any member of the Columbarium Committee listed below.
Columbarium Committee:
Steve Bischoff
Howard Jaeger
Kevin Roever
Larry White
Pastor Jacobson, Spiritual Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the columbarium and why would Grace construct one on our property?
A columbarium is a structure used for the storage of a deceased person’s cremated remains. The purpose of a columbarium at Grace is to provide a more meaningful and affordable option for our member families when a loved one dies. Our church is our spiritual home, so it is fitting that our final resting place should be at church. Based on congregational interest, the Columbarium Committee developed a plan for the memorial garden & columbarium, which was approved by the congregation in April 2021.
Where will the memorial garden & columbarium be located and what will it look like?
The memorial garden & columbarium will be located just west of our fellowship hall. It will be designed as a quiet and beautiful place to remember our loved ones, with trees, landscaping, and benches for prayer and reflection. See a schematic drawing of the memorial garden on the top right of this page.
Who is eligible to use the columbarium?
Members of Grace Lutheran Church are eligible to purchase a niche in the columbarium. This includes the spouses and children of members and deceased members of Grace. Each niche has the capacity for two urns. Members of other Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) churches may also purchase niches, subject to Church Council approval. The general public is not eligible.
How much will it cost to purchase a niche?
The total cost for a single niche is $2000 and $2250 for a double niche. This includes an engraved nameplate with the deceased’s name, birth, and death dates. After January 1, 2022, the prices will increase to $2250 for a single niche and $2500 for a double niche. This cost does not include the cost for cremation. Prices are subject to change in the future.
When will the columbarium be available for use?
We project construction on the columbarium to be completed by the end of 2021. with the niches available for use shortly thereafter. Initially, we will plan for 56 niches but will have the capacity to add more as there is demand.
How can I learn more?
Attend one of the special meetings hosted by the Columbarium Committee to learn more about all aspects of the project. Documents related to the memorial garden & columbarium are also available in the right column on this page, just below the drawing. You may also email the Columbarium Committee at columbarium@graceglendale.org
